Market Street, Pittsburgh

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PRESERVING A LANDMARK PUBLIC SPACE FOR MILLIONS OF VISITORS

As part of the extensive revitalization of Pittsburgh’s historic Market Square, more than 50,000 ft² of Wausau Tile H-Series Architectural Pavers were installed to help transform one of the city’s most iconic gathering places. The renovation was completed in time for the 2026 NFL Draft, when hundreds of thousands of visitors were expected to converge on Downtown Pittsburgh. Market Square itself welcomes more than 3 million visitors annually and serves as a hub for restaurants, bars, community events, and public gatherings. 

With heavy pedestrian traffic, outdoor dining, food and beverage activity, and Pittsburgh’s challenging freeze-thaw climate, project stakeholders needed a long-term protection solution that would preserve the appearance of the new pavers while simplifying ongoing maintenance. 

THE CHALLENGE

The project required a sealer that could:

• Help keep the architectural pavers clean and easier to maintain in a busy public setting
• Resist frequent pressure washing and exposure to alkaline cleaning products
• Stand up to harsh winter weather and freeze-thaw conditions
• Maintain the natural appearance of the pavers with no color enhancement or visual change
• Preserve the surface’s dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) to support pedestrian safety

THE STAIN-PROOF® SOLUTION 

The project team selected STAIN-PROOF® Premium Impregnating Sealer, a premium penetrating sealer designed to provide long-lasting protection without changing the look or breathability of treated surfaces. The sealer offers superior oil and water repellency while helping protect against staining, freeze-thaw damage, and salt-related deterioration. Treated surfaces remain easier to clean and maintain, even in demanding commercial environments.

RESULTS

By protecting the newly installed pavers with Premium Impregnating Sealer, the Market Square redevelopment team achieved a solution that helps safeguard the appearance and performance of the public space while supporting ongoing maintenance efforts. The treatment allows the pavers to retain their natural finish while providing protection against the everyday challenges associated with restaurants, bars, public events, weather exposure, and heavy foot traffic. Today, the revitalized Market Square offers an inviting pedestrian-focused environment designed to serve residents and visitors for years to come, with stone protection that helps keep the space looking its best.